Similajau National Park
Encyclopedia
Similajau National Park is a national park
in the Bintulu Division
of Sarawak
, Malaysia. It is located about 30 kilometres (18.6 mi) from Bintulu
.
. The park is rich in flora and fauna. The park was first gazetted on 1 December 1976, and published on 20 April 1978. It originally comprised 70.64 km² (17,455.5 acre) of forest, starting from Sungai Likau in the south and stretching 30 km (18.6 mi) to Sungai Similajau in the north. Another 19.32 km² (4,774.1 acre) was added to the park on 17 February 2000, making the total area 89.96 km² (22,229.6 acre), in a narrow coastal strip.
, and mixed dipterocarp forest, which is home to various species of plants, trees and wildlife. The Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia
), belonging to the family of Simarubaceae, is a small and slender tree, and can grow as high as 15 metres (49.2 ft). It produces a cluster of finger-sized reddish fruits which taste bitter. On maturity its fruits turn black, similar to coffee berries. This tree is more common here than in any other national park in Sarawak. The Bintangor (Barringtonia asiatica
) belongs to the Guttiferae, and can be found in both the hills and swamp forests of Sarawak
.
s, banded langurs and long-tailed macaque. 185 species of birds have been recorded in the park, including hornbill
s and migratory water birds like Storm's Stork
. A noteworthy reptile found here is the saltwater crocodile
. Dolphin
s are found in the sea off the park's coast. Occasionally, green turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.
12 out of the 20 marine mammals recorded in Malaysia occur in Sarawak. These include whales, dugong
s and dolphins. Five species of dolphin have been recorded in Bintulu waters:
Dolphins occur during the months of March to September every year. They are often sptted in groups of four or more during early morning of the day.
Three common species of turtle
have so far been recorded landing at the park beaches. These turtles are landing to lay their eggs. Three known localities are the Golden Beach, Turtle Beach I and Turtle Beach II. Turtles come during the months of March to September annually. The three species are the green turtle (Chelonia mydas), Leatherback turtle (Dermochelyes coriacea), and Hawksbill turtle
(Eretmochelys imbricate).
There are crocodile
in the Likau River, although no crocodile attacks have been reported in the park. There are two species of riverine crocodiles in the park; the False Gharial
(Tomistoma schlegelii), and an estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porousus). The estuarine/saltwater crocodile is very dangerous and has been responsible for many fatal attacks in Sarawak in recent years. The False Gharial is generally shy and passive, but on rare occasions fatal attacks have been confirmed in Central Kalimantan and Sumatra. Both species should be treated with respect and given distance.
The Horseshoe crab
, or king crab, often occurs during the dry season starting from early May to October. They usually come in pairs, being the males on top of the females. The males are smaller in sizes as compare to the females. They come to the shore to lay eggs. During this breeding season one can see plenty of catfish
es (Ikan belukang) around feeding on the eggs.
Burung Kenyalang (Hornbill)
There are eight species of Hornbill recorded in Sarawak. Wildlife survey shows only few species are found at the park forests. Only solitary species, the Black hornbill (Anthracoceros malayanus) is found roaming in the park compound. Early notice during the early morning and late afternoon.
There are plenty of birds (both small, medium and large birds) around the park. Notably the black hornbills are always around.
National park
A national park is a reserve of natural, semi-natural, or developed land that a sovereign state declares or owns. Although individual nations designate their own national parks differently A national park is a reserve of natural, semi-natural, or developed land that a sovereign state declares or...
in the Bintulu Division
Bintulu Division
Bintulu Division is one of the eleven administrative divisions of Sarawak, east Malaysia, on the island of Borneo. It has a total area of 12,166.2 square kilometers, and is the third largest division after Kapit Division and Miri Division. Bintulu Division consists of two districts which is Bintulu...
of Sarawak
Sarawak
Sarawak is one of two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo. Known as Bumi Kenyalang , Sarawak is situated on the north-west of the island. It is the largest state in Malaysia followed by Sabah, the second largest state located to the North- East.The administrative capital is Kuching, which...
, Malaysia. It is located about 30 kilometres (18.6 mi) from Bintulu
Bintulu
Bintulu is a coastal town, and the capital of Bintulu District in the Bintulu Division of Sarawak, Malaysia. It is about 650 kilometers from Kuching and about 215 kilometers from either Sibu or Miri....
.
Formation
The national park is a recreational resource, and features rainforest, beaches of white and golden sand, and rocky beaches, facing the South China SeaSouth China Sea
The South China Sea is a marginal sea that is part of the Pacific Ocean, encompassing an area from the Singapore and Malacca Straits to the Strait of Taiwan of around...
. The park is rich in flora and fauna. The park was first gazetted on 1 December 1976, and published on 20 April 1978. It originally comprised 70.64 km² (17,455.5 acre) of forest, starting from Sungai Likau in the south and stretching 30 km (18.6 mi) to Sungai Similajau in the north. Another 19.32 km² (4,774.1 acre) was added to the park on 17 February 2000, making the total area 89.96 km² (22,229.6 acre), in a narrow coastal strip.
Flora
The flora consist of three main types, namely; beach, kerangas, a type of tropical moist forestTropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests
Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests , also known as tropical moist forests, are a tropical and subtropical forest biome....
, and mixed dipterocarp forest, which is home to various species of plants, trees and wildlife. The Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia
Eurycoma longifolia
Eurycoma longifolia is a flowering plant in the family Simaroubaceae, native to Indonesia, Malaysia, and, to a lesser extent, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos...
), belonging to the family of Simarubaceae, is a small and slender tree, and can grow as high as 15 metres (49.2 ft). It produces a cluster of finger-sized reddish fruits which taste bitter. On maturity its fruits turn black, similar to coffee berries. This tree is more common here than in any other national park in Sarawak. The Bintangor (Barringtonia asiatica
Barringtonia asiatica
Barringtonia asiatica is a species of Barringtonia native to mangrove habitats on the tropical coasts and islands of the Indian Ocean and western Pacific Ocean from Zanzibar east to Taiwan, the Philippines, Fiji, New Caledonia, the Cook Islands, Wallis and Futuna and French Polynesia...
) belongs to the Guttiferae, and can be found in both the hills and swamp forests of Sarawak
Sarawak
Sarawak is one of two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo. Known as Bumi Kenyalang , Sarawak is situated on the north-west of the island. It is the largest state in Malaysia followed by Sabah, the second largest state located to the North- East.The administrative capital is Kuching, which...
.
Fauna
The terrestrial fauna of the park include 24 recorded species of mammals, including as gibbonGibbon
Gibbons are apes in the family Hylobatidae . The family is divided into four genera based on their diploid chromosome number: Hylobates , Hoolock , Nomascus , and Symphalangus . The extinct Bunopithecus sericus is a gibbon or gibbon-like ape which, until recently, was thought to be closely related...
s, banded langurs and long-tailed macaque. 185 species of birds have been recorded in the park, including hornbill
Hornbill
Hornbills are a family of bird found in tropical and subtropical Africa, Asia and Melanesia. They are characterized by a long, down-curved bill which is frequently brightly-colored and sometimes has a casque on the upper mandible. Both the common English and the scientific name of the family...
s and migratory water birds like Storm's Stork
Storm's Stork
The Storm's Stork, Ciconia stormi is a large, approximately long, stork with black and white plumages, red bill, orange bare facial skin, red legs and yellow orbital skin. Both sexes are similar. The young has duller plumage and bare skin....
. A noteworthy reptile found here is the saltwater crocodile
Saltwater Crocodile
The saltwater crocodile, also known as estuarine or Indo-Pacific crocodile, is the largest of all living reptiles...
. Dolphin
Dolphin
Dolphins are marine mammals that are closely related to whales and porpoises. There are almost forty species of dolphin in 17 genera. They vary in size from and , up to and . They are found worldwide, mostly in the shallower seas of the continental shelves, and are carnivores, mostly eating...
s are found in the sea off the park's coast. Occasionally, green turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.
12 out of the 20 marine mammals recorded in Malaysia occur in Sarawak. These include whales, dugong
Dugong
The dugong is a large marine mammal which, together with the manatees, is one of four living species of the order Sirenia. It is the only living representative of the once-diverse family Dugongidae; its closest modern relative, Steller's sea cow , was hunted to extinction in the 18th century...
s and dolphins. Five species of dolphin have been recorded in Bintulu waters:
- Irrawanddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris)
- Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiop trancatus)
- Indo-Pacific humpback Dolphin (Sousa cinensis)
- Finless porpoise Dolphin (Neophocaena phoacaenoides)
- Pantropic spotted Dolphin (Stenella attenuta)
Dolphins occur during the months of March to September every year. They are often sptted in groups of four or more during early morning of the day.
Three common species of turtle
Turtle
Turtles are reptiles of the order Testudines , characterised by a special bony or cartilaginous shell developed from their ribs that acts as a shield...
have so far been recorded landing at the park beaches. These turtles are landing to lay their eggs. Three known localities are the Golden Beach, Turtle Beach I and Turtle Beach II. Turtles come during the months of March to September annually. The three species are the green turtle (Chelonia mydas), Leatherback turtle (Dermochelyes coriacea), and Hawksbill turtle
Hawksbill turtle
The hawksbill sea turtle is a critically endangered sea turtle belonging to the family Cheloniidae. It is the only extant species in its genus. The species has a worldwide distribution, with Atlantic and Pacific subspecies. E. imbricata imbricata is the Atlantic subspecies, while E...
(Eretmochelys imbricate).
There are crocodile
Crocodile
A crocodile is any species belonging to the family Crocodylidae . The term can also be used more loosely to include all extant members of the order Crocodilia: i.e...
in the Likau River, although no crocodile attacks have been reported in the park. There are two species of riverine crocodiles in the park; the False Gharial
False gharial
The false gharial , also known as the Malayan gharial, false gavial, or Tomistoma is a freshwater crocodile of the Crocodylidae family with a very thin and elongated snout...
(Tomistoma schlegelii), and an estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porousus). The estuarine/saltwater crocodile is very dangerous and has been responsible for many fatal attacks in Sarawak in recent years. The False Gharial is generally shy and passive, but on rare occasions fatal attacks have been confirmed in Central Kalimantan and Sumatra. Both species should be treated with respect and given distance.
The Horseshoe crab
Horseshoe crab
The Atlantic horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus, is a marine chelicerate arthropod. Despite its name, it is more closely related to spiders, ticks, and scorpions than to crabs. Horseshoe crabs are most commonly found in the Gulf of Mexico and along the northern Atlantic coast of North America...
, or king crab, often occurs during the dry season starting from early May to October. They usually come in pairs, being the males on top of the females. The males are smaller in sizes as compare to the females. They come to the shore to lay eggs. During this breeding season one can see plenty of catfish
Catfish
Catfishes are a diverse group of ray-finned fish. Named for their prominent barbels, which resemble a cat's whiskers, catfish range in size and behavior from the heaviest and longest, the Mekong giant catfish from Southeast Asia and the second longest, the wels catfish of Eurasia, to detritivores...
es (Ikan belukang) around feeding on the eggs.
Burung Kenyalang (Hornbill)
There are eight species of Hornbill recorded in Sarawak. Wildlife survey shows only few species are found at the park forests. Only solitary species, the Black hornbill (Anthracoceros malayanus) is found roaming in the park compound. Early notice during the early morning and late afternoon.
Batu Mandi
About 4 km (2.5 mi) off the shore of Kuala Sungai Likau. Can be reached only by boat. Noticeable from the Park only during low tide.View Point
Located at the headlands of Kuala Sungai Likau. It is a shelter, sited strategically for nature lovers to view the Marine life, birds and other creature around the park.Batu Anchau
It is a black bare rock surface situated at the end reach of the Batu Anchau trail and about 2 km (1.2 mi) walk from the Park Office.Selunsur Rapid
It is a rapid that exist at the end reach of the Selunsur Rapid trail. It is about 6.8 km (4.2 mi) from the Park Office. The rapid can be noticed clearly after a heavy down pour and fast flowing of high volume water on the steep rock surface.Turtle Beach
There are 2 units of Turtle Beach namely Turtle Beach I and Beach II. They are located about 6 and 7 km (3.7 and 4.3 mi) away from the Park Office. These are the places where Turtles land for laying eggs. This occasionally happens during the month of March till September annually.Golden Beach
It is a ?Beach of Wonders?. The splendid long stretch of golden sand gives it name ?Golden Beach?. From the Park Office to the beach is about a 10 km (6.2 mi) walk. It is again the suitable place for the turtles to land and lay eggs.Sebubong Pool
It is a natural pool at the sebubong River. It can only be reached by mean of fast boat as there is no existing rail connecting from the Park Office.Main Trails (Red mark)
This trails cover a total distance of 9.8 kilometres (6.1 mi) reaching the Golden Beach can be reached by jungle trekking of about three to four journey (single trip) and about 7 to 8 hours return trip. Can also be reached by fast boat of about forty minutesEducation Trail (Green mark)
Consists of 2 parts. One is a 450 m (0.279617731492413 mi) plankwalk along the mangrove forest and another is a 600 metre (0.372823641989884 mi) jungle trail. It is so called Education trail because it is nearby the Park Office and suitable for any interest Parties especially students to know more about tree species.Circular Trail (Red/Whites mark)
This trail start from the end of the mangrove plankwalk with a loping shape and later meet the main trail at 0.5 kilometre (0.310686368324903 mi) with a total distance of 1.7 km (1.1 mi).Batu Anchau Trail (White mark)
With a total distance of 2.1 km (1.3 mi) and ends up at the Batu Anchau (Bare Rock Surface).View Point (Red/Yellow mark)
It is about 280 m (0.173984366261946 mi) in length where the view point is sited. It can be reached about 20 minutes walk from the Park Office.Selunsur Rapid (Yellow mark)
With a total distance of 5 km (3.1 mi) from the Park Office and another 1.9 km (1.2 mi) to the end of the trail to reach the Selunsur Rapid. It takes about 2 hours journey (single trip) and 4 hours for the return journey.Sebubong Pool (Red mark)
This trail starts from the sebubong River mouth and ends at the Pool. It can only be reached from the Park office by fast boat.Jungle Trekking
For nature lovers, Similajau National Park provides nature trails. As you trek along the trail you will feel the tranquility of the forest. You are not lonely but are entertained by the music from the friendly insects and beautiful whistling of the birds. The thick forest canopies provide you with fresh air and shades as you walk along.Bird Watching
If you love watching, please bring along a pair of powerful binoculars, zoom-lens cameras and pocket guide bookThere are plenty of birds (both small, medium and large birds) around the park. Notably the black hornbills are always around.